Delegations from the US Air Force and the US Navy will also be represented again – assuming the current planning remains unchanged. As always, surprises cannot be ruled out.
Russian return – this time prominent
Particularly noteworthy for international observers: the return of Russian manufacturers under the ROSTEC umbrella. While they were still regularly represented in 2021, they were war of aggression against Ukraine they were isolated at IDEX and in Dubai in 2023 – in a remote pavilion. This year, however, they will be present again, and much more visibly than before. The main attraction is the export version of the Su-57E stealth fighter (NATO: Flounder).
Test pilot and “Hero of Russia” Sergei Bogdan arrived in Dubai on November 11 with the ninth pre-production prototype 57-09 – allegedly non-stop from Russia and without visible additional tanks. According to manufacturer UAC, the aircraft will be presented both on the ground and in flight. Rolls, high-AOA maneuvers and the advertised “super maneuverability” of the Su-57 will be demonstrated.
The Su-57 itself is a problem case for the Russian defense industry. Around 16 years after the start of flight testing, the Russian Air Force has only around 20 production aircraft. So far, they have only been used sporadically in Syria and cautiously against Ukraine. The only confirmed export customer is Algeria with an order for twelve Su-57Esbut no deliveries have yet been made. India – once a partner in the FGFA program – is currently being courted again.
Drohnenabwehr: Start-up Atreyd testet in der Ukraine „fliegendes Minenfeld”
This makes the Dubai Airshow all the more important for Russia: in view of sanctions and shortages of high-end electronics, UAC is trying to open up new sales markets in the Middle East. The company speaks of a “rapidly growing regional interest in multi-purpose platforms with training and combat capabilities”.
Shortly before the transfer UAC published a videoshowing the Su-57 for the first time with the outer weapon bays open (R-73 IR guided missiles) and the central bay with two “dummy” Kh air-to-ground missiles. It remains to be seen what will actually be on display in Dubai.
More Russian innovations – from trainers to helicopters
In addition to the Su-57, the Russian manufacturers are presenting several other systems:
- Jak-130M – the modernized version of the well-known jet trainer, now designed for training modern 4th and 5th generation pilots and for light combat missions. To date, only two modernized versions exist.
- Ansat-M – a light multi-purpose helicopter.
- Ka-52 – the combat helicopter known from the war in Ukraine.
- Il-76MD-90A(E) – the modernized transport variant with PS-90 engines.
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Ka-32A11M – Transport and multi-purpose helicopter.
Geopolitical shifts – Israel out, Austria in
Another political detail in passing: after the Abraham Accords, Israeli defense companies were welcome at IDEX and Dubai Airshow. After the recent Gaza events, they are now excluded.
Militär Aktuell is on site this year with two editors, has already arranged numerous interviews and will be reporting extensively during the airshow and afterwards.
